Forget-Me-Nots in September Read Online Free Page A

know he likes me and all, but I’m not interested and I’m not sure how to get him to take the hint. Maybe I should wear a ring or just hang a big sign around my neck.” She played with the edge of the glass. “It’s the sentencing tomorrow for Jayden’s case. I don’t suppose you can come, can you? After you’re here today and all.”
    “What time?”
    “Twelve. I know DS Holmes will be there because it’s his case, but…”
    “Of course I’ll be there. I’ll get a lift off the good sergeant.”
    ~*~
    Bev yawned as he checked social media way too early in the morning. He’d uploaded the pool party pictures and made the one of him in the pool wearing the umbrella hat his profile picture. Elf had come too and there were several of him drinking cola, pretending to paddle, and sunbathing. Plus one of him standing on top of the castle.
    He scanned his timeline and his heart caught as he read Jude’s status. Repatriation at BN. Silence at first, then applause which grew in strength. Sad yet respect. RIP the three who died. And prayers for those injured and left behind. He closed his eyes. She’d gone. Did she go to all of them, or had she made a special trip this time? It seemed fitting. He’d seen them off, and she’d greeted them on his behalf.
    The page refreshed and a new status appeared with a photograph of a young man in RAF uniform. Six months and that’s suspended for two years! How is that justice for Jayden?
    Bev hesitated for a moment, then hovered his mouse over her name and brought up the message box. Hey, it’s Bev. Are you OK?
    There was a pause for a moment. Then he got a reply. He ignored the way his heart skipped a beat as he read the first real time conversation he’d had with her.
    I’ve been better. Hello by the way. How are you?
    Doing OK. He replied. What’s wrong? I saw your status. Who’s Jayden?
    My twin brother. He was in the RAF. He got me into sending parcels in the first place. There was a long pause before she continued. He was killed on leave about a year ago by a driver who was texting at the wheel. The sentencing was today. Bloke got a six month suspended sentence and a driving ban. Jayden survived the front lines, and he died half a mile from home because someone decided to send a text while driving.
    Bev’s heart broke afresh. I’m so sorry, Jude. That’s nowhere near long enough. He closed his eyes. Nothing he could say would be good enough to comfort her. Just like nothing he could say or do could heal the hole in his unit right now. He looked back at the screen.
    I know I have to forgive him. It’s what Jesus wants—forgive our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, but it’s a hard task at times.
    Bev typed back . I know. I’m struggling with that one myself right now. We just have to pray that God will give us the strength to obey Him when things are impossible as well as easy. He glanced at his watch. I have to go. Sorry, but I’m late for PT.
    We can’t have that. The troops might revolt. Thanks for saying hi.
    You’re welcome. It was nice to chat. Bye. He logged off and ran down to join his unit outside in the growing light.
    “And here he is,” Steve intoned. “Better late than never, but owing us twenty sit-ups and fifty press-ups anyway. Did you oversleep?”
    Bev raised an eyebrow. “Did I oversleep what , Sergeant?”
    “Did you oversleep, Boss ?” Steve didn’t miss a beat. “Just drop and do them.”
    “I’ll have you know I’ve been up since o-dark-thirty while you were still snoring.” Bev dropped to the ground, doing the punishment he’d have dished out to anyone else who was late.
    “I don’t snore,” Steve objected.
    “Really? I beg to differ. All those who say he does…”
    Every single hand shot up before he’d finished his sentence.
    Bev laughed as he finished the sit-ups. “I rest my case.” He rolled over, and began doing the press-ups one handed to prove a point, the other hand curled behind his back. Once